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Dimer Torka (Egg Tadka, Dhaba Style)

May 17, 2020 By Maumita Paul 1 Comment

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Dimer TorkaPin

Delhi was explosion on my food senses.
The decadent world of Mughlai cuisine left me spellbound and numb.

It was a while though before I had my first brush with the cuisine from Punjab.

Have you been to the Gurudwara Bangla Sahib ? A friend asked me one lazy Sunday morning.
No, I admitted, I would love to though.
I am headed there, wanna join me ?
Well, it was an ethereal experience. (And since then I have been drawn again and again to the blessed precincts of a Gurudwara)
But the standout, one that’s still firmly etched in my memory, had to be the langar lunch, more people than I could ever count, seated on the floor, side by side, in disciplined rows, agnostic of cast, creed and colour, savouring the humble yet delectable lunch.
The lunch, langarwali dal (I came to know of the name much later) and a lip-smacking cabbage sabzi with rotis that were still hot (How did they ever coordinate logistics at this colossal scale, I kept musing through the lunch), finished with a halwa that tasted divine, numbed my senses, this was indeed food heaven.
If Mughlai food was decadent and ostentatious, this was humble, redolent of Mother Earth and her gorgeous produce.
The spartan simplicity and unabashed honesty of the lunch touched my heart.

I continued exploring the cuisine from the blessed land of the five rivers.
Before long, Sunday mornings were religiously reserved for Rajma Chawal and if Daljeet Aunty (my roommate Ns adorable mother) didn’t pack her stunning Kadhi Pakoras in a tiffin box when N returned on Monday mornings post the weekend at home, I would, no qualms in admitting, sulk in silence.
And when winter arrived with her magnanimous harvest of grains and bountiful mustard greens, my love for this rustic earthy cuisine was elevated to an unprecedented high.

Dimer TorkaPin

Fast forward a couple of years.
We are in Kolkata when S proposes a Dimer Torka and Roti dinner.
I am perplexed.
Dimer Torka, what’s that ?
It’s the most delicious Punjabi dish you could possibly savour in Kolkata. S brags.
Punjabi dish ? I asked, cynicism in my voice. I considered myself well-versed, did I not, on Punjabi cuisine.
S reads my doubt and is quick to retort, Well, one that’s adapted to the Bengali palate.

The takeaway meal of Dimer Torka and piping hot rotis from a nondescript hole-in-the-wall joint was pure love.
And that’s when my affair with Dimer Torka began.
A staple at home since then, at least once a fortnight.

So imagine my frustration when the black urad dal supplies run out and every effort to replenish stocks go in vain for weeks on end.
And then that unbridled joy when the local grocery store calls me to inform that he’s finally received supplies !!!
No points for guessing what graced the table that evening for dinner.

Dimer Torka. A symphony of green moong and black urad dals.  Cooked in an onion-tomato gravy. Perfumed with an overload of kasoori methi. And finished with a generous helping of scrambled eggs.
Enjoy !!!

Dimer TorkaPin

Dimer Torka (Egg Tadka, Dhaba Style)

Dimer Torka. A melodious symphony of green moong and black urad dals.  Cooked in an onion-tomato gravy. Perfumed with an overload of kasoori methi. And finished with a generous helping of scrambled eggs. Food heaven !!!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 mins
Cook Time 45 mins
Total Time 55 mins
Course Main Course

Ingredients
  

  • 3/4 cup whole green moong
  • 3/4 cup whole black urad dal with skin
  • 4 big onions grated
  • 2 tomatoes finely chopped
  • 1 tsp garlic finely chopped
  • 1 tbsp ginger freshly grated
  • 3-4 green chilies finely chopped
  • 4 eggs whipped
  • 2 tbsp kasoori methi
  • 1 tsp turmeric powder
  • 2 tsp red chilli powder
  • 2 tsp cumin powder
  • 2 tsp cumin seeds
  • 2-3 bay leaves
  • 2 tsp lemon juice
  • 1/3 cup cooking oil
  • salt to taste

Instructions
 

  • Soak both the green and black moong overnight.
  • Drain from water, add to a pressure cooker. Add 4 cups of water, just a little salt and pressure cook, one whistle I would reckon. Allow the steam to release on its own.
  • Heat 1 tbsp of oil in a pan. Season the whipped eggs with salt, pour onto the pan and scramble the eggs. Keep aside.
  • In a deep bottomed pan, heat the remaining oil. Throw in the cumin seeds and bay leaves , allow the spices to splutter.
  • Add the grated onions, sprinkle a little salt and cook patiently over a medium flame till the onions are cooked and the raw smell of onions is no longer there.
  • Add the garlic, ginger and tomatoes, continue to cook till the tomatoes are cooked.
  • Take the turmeric powder, red chili powder and cumin powder in a small bowl. Add a little water to form a smooth paste. Add the paste and to pan, sauté till oil starts to release from the masala.
  • Carefully add the boiled lentils to the pan, give it a good stir.
  • Pour 2 cups of warm water, lightly mash the lentils with the back of your ladle, bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 12-15 minutes till the torka is of a medium to thick consistency.
  • Add the scrambled eggs, give it a good mix.
  • Dry roast the kasoori methi lightly on a hot tawa. While hot but comfortable enough to handle, crush the kasoori methi with your palms, sprinkle over the torka.
  • Adjust seasonings. Finish with a generous dash of lemon juice. Serve hot with phulkas.

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Filed Under: Bengali Recipes, Lentils/Dals Tagged With: Bengali Dal Recipes, Bengali Food Blog, Bengali Food Photography, Bengali Food styling, Bengali Recipes, Bengali Recipes From Grandmas Kitchen, Bengali Summer Recipes, Bengali Winter Recipes, Dal, Dal Food Photography, Dal Photography, Dhaba Style Recipes, Dimer Torka, Egg, Egg tadka, Egg Tadka Dal, Food Blog, Food Blogger, Food Photography, Food Styling, Indian Dal Recipes, Indian Food Photography, Non Vegetarian, Traditional Bengali Recipes

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Suranjana

    August 23, 2020 at 4:53 pm

    Hi, i am a big fan of your blog. I try to make the easy ones though (too lazy). I just have a suggestion if u have any arambagh food mart near your locality, you get the tarka dal pulses there. Its a mixture of raw dals including rajma, kabuli chola, mung i don’t know the others 😉). I cook it often.

    Reply

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Maumita Paul
And the affair with gur continues..... Any guesses And the affair with gur continues.....
Any guesses what’s in the making this evening?.
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#dessert #sweettooth #storiesofkolkata #calcuttacacophony #foodphotography #acreativevisual #nostalgia #india_undiscovered #official_photography_hub #canonphotography #eeeeeats #foodblogfeed #photographers_of_india #theuncommonbox #eatseasonal  #gastronomad_m #foodphotography #tv_foodlovers #foodpornography #foodtalkindia #photooftheday #foodporn #sankranti #desi_diaries #capturingmagic #wearebengal #eatseasonal #winter  #cherishedmemories #pithepuli #creatingmemories #foodthatheals
There is always light. If only we are brave enough There is always light. If only we are brave enough to see it. If only we are brave enough to be it !!
 @amandascgorman you are a genius!!!
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Submitting this to “Dark and Moody” challenge by @neethuthomasphotography and @twiggstudios . #mymysticlight 

Also submitting this to “Chiaroscuro” challenge by @happytummybyritumbhara and @stemsandforks . #foodphotobiteswithritu 
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 #food52 #tv_foodlovers #hautecuisines #capturethemoment #foodstagram #foodstyling #foodmaking @hautescuisines #indianfoodbloggers #foodpornography #photooftheday #gastronomad_m #theuncommonbox #darkphotography #capturingmoments #acreativevisual #darkandmoody #stilllife_perfection #moodylight #tastingtable #official_photography_hub #indianshutterbugs #styleonmytable #foodphotography #foodart #simpleandstill #wintervibes #lifeandthyme #moodygrams
When life gives you nolen gur, you go crazy with p When life gives you nolen gur, you go crazy with pithe puli and payesh. 
And then you make a delectable nolen gurer panacotta ❤️❤️❤️
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Recipe link is there in bio.
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#dessert #sweettooth #storiesofkolkata #calcuttacacophony #foodphotography #acreativevisual #nostalgia #india_undiscovered #official_photography_hub #canonphotography #eeeeeats #foodblogfeed #photographers_of_india #theuncommonbox #eatseasonal  #gastronomad_m #foodphotography #tv_foodlovers #foodpornography #foodtalkindia #photooftheday #foodporn #nolengur #desi_diaries #capturingmagic #photography #eatseasonal #winter  #cherishedmemories #pannacotta #creatingmemories #foodthatheals
Nothing more hearty than phulkopir singara and a c Nothing more hearty than phulkopir singara and a cup of masala  tea as the evenings get a tad bit colder !!! 
Any takers ? ❤️ .
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Recipe link is there in bio. 
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 #desi_diaries #storiesofkolkata #theuncommonbox #bengalifood #india_undiscovered @ig_calcutta @stories.of.kolkata #official_photography_hub #teatime #foodgasm #foodstyling #chai #foodphotography #homemade #ig_calcutta #eatseasonal @india_undiscovered @walkwithindia @tv_stilllife #tasteofkolkata #foodporn #gastronomad_m #foodtalkindia #walkwithindia #kolkatabuzz #indianshutterbugs #foodstylist #canonphotography #calcuttacacophony #onlyinbengal #snack #foodstories #acreativevisual #chai #singara #sundayvibes
Sankranti remains one of the festivals closest to Sankranti remains one of the festivals closest to my heart. 

One of those days when I miss Grandma dearly and yearn to return to childhood and relish all the delectable pithe puli she would make !!! 
Happy Sankranti everyone !!!

On the plate 
Khejur Gurer Patishapta, Doodhpuli, Teler Pitha, Nolen Gurer Payesh and Soru Chakuli.
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#dessert #sweettooth #storiesofkolkata #calcuttacacophony #foodphotography #acreativevisual #nostalgia #india_undiscovered #official_photography_hub #canonphotography #eeeeeats #foodblogfeed #photographers_of_india #theuncommonbox #eatseasonal  #gastronomad_m #foodphotography #tv_foodlovers #foodpornography #foodtalkindia #photooftheday #foodporn #sankranti #desi_diaries #capturingmagic #wearebengal #eatseasonal #winter  #cherishedmemories #makarsankranti #creatingmemories #foodthatheals
New blog post ❤️ And every year, around Sankr New blog post ❤️

And every year, around Sankranthi, the chitoi pithe moulds make a magical re-appearance from the hidden vaults of the windowless sunlight-starved and perennially musty and damp bhnaarar ghor (pantry), illuminated by a lone naked incandescent bulb, before being dusted, scrubbed, soaked, dried and then used in vehement anger for the Sankranti festivities, only to disappear once the euphoria of the harvest festival subsides.
A use and throw culture has still not invaded our lives and the fact that this rather inexpensive non-descript humble artifact is used on just a couple of occasions around Sankranti every year makes not an iota of difference to the magnanimous love and care it receives.
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To read more and try this recipe of Doodh Chitoi , direct link is there in bio. 
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#dessert #sweettooth #storiesofkolkata #calcuttacacophony #foodphotography #acreativevisual #nostalgia #india_undiscovered #official_photography_hub #canonphotography #eeeeeats #foodblogfeed #photographers_of_india #theuncommonbox #eatseasonal  #gastronomad_m #foodphotography #tv_foodlovers #foodpornography #foodtalkindia #photooftheday #foodporn #sankranti #desi_diaries #capturingmagic #wearebengal #eatseasonal #winter  #cherishedmemories #makarsankranti #creatingmemories #foodthatheals
Its less than a week to Sankranti and my kitchen i Its less than a week to Sankranti and my kitchen is in manic frenzy this morning steaming some stunning Bhapa Pitha. 

I have always preferred freshly ground rice flour to store-bought ones. And my hand-free 1400w hamiltonbeach JMG ensured the rice was ground to fine flour, just as I wanted it, in a blink .
(Also do check the coarse, medium and fine grinding options available which gives us such luxury of choice -  I opted for the fine option for the rice flour)

And  here’s my recipe for the quintessential Bengali Bhapa Pitha / Assamese Keteli Pitha. 
Soak the rice for 2 hours, drain from water. 
Allow the rice to dry over a newspaper or muslin cloth to drain any excess water. 
Use your Hamiltonbeach JMG to blitz the rice to a fine powder.
Transfer the rice flour to a bowl, add a pinch of salt, mix well.
Splash a little water to the rice flour, start mixing with your hand. The texture of the dough should be crumbly and just damp enough. Splash water in small increments, we don’t want a wet batter here.
Sieve the moist flour .
Take a kettle, fill it half with water and bring to a boil.
Wrap the lid of the kettle with a damp muslin cloth.
Spread a layer of the rice flour uniformly over the cloth.
Add 1 tsp of freshly grated coconut on the rice flour, followed by 1 tsp of chopped jaggery And finish it with another layer of rice flour. Press gently, take care to not press it too hard.
Wrap with another piece of moist muslin, put the lid back on over the boiling water.
Steam for 10-12 minutes.
Carefully remove the lid from the kettle. 
Gently remove the outer muslin cloth. Use a sharp knife along the edges of the lid to un-mould the pitha..
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#BigBoxOfLove

#SayToHelloPerfection #ProResultsAtHome #HamiltonBeachIndia #CookLikeAPro #fbciofficial

@hamiltonbeachindia, @fbciofficial @grainandgrowth .
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#dessert #sweettooth #storiesofkolkata #calcuttacacophony #foodphotography #acreativevisual #nostalgia #india_undiscovered #official_photography_hub #glutenfree #eeeeeats #foodblogfeed #photographers_of_india #theuncommonbox #eatseasonal  #gastronomad_m #foodphotography #tv_foodlovers #sankranti
The Doulla Pithe that Grandma (Bamma) creates is s The Doulla Pithe that Grandma (Bamma) creates is sheer magic – Pillowy rice flour parcels with a tiny morsel of patali hidden in the center. Stewed in milk perfumed with even more patali gur.
Have a bite, Grandma coaxes.
And the molten patali bursts out of the shackles of the rice flour cocoon.
The fragrance of patali and the perfume of rice leave my palate enthralled.
I take another bite.
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If you want to try this , temporary recipe link is updated in bio ❤️
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#dessert #sweettooth #storiesofkolkata #calcuttacacophony #foodphotography #acreativevisual #nostalgia #india_undiscovered #official_photography_hub #canonphotography #eeeeeats #foodblogfeed #photographers_of_india #theuncommonbox #eatseasonal  #gastronomad_m #foodphotography #tv_foodlovers #foodpornography #foodtalkindia #photooftheday #foodporn #sankranti #desi_diaries #capturingmagic #wearebengal #eatseasonal #winter  #cherishedmemories #makarsankranti #creatingmemories #foodthatheals
Can I taste one ? I ask as Maa’s experienced han Can I taste one ? I ask as Maa’s experienced hands effortlessly remove the pithe from the oil and immerse them in the jaggery syrup, but even before Maa can warn me, I have snatched one and bitten into the gokul pithe.
My tongue is singed.
And for that odd moment, I am all numb.
Minutes, that feel like days, pass.
And then the taste sinks in, sublime, a mellifluous symphony of grated coconut and jaggery.
This is food heaven !!!
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To try  recipe, temporary recipe link is updated in bio ❤️
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#dessert #sweettooth #storiesofkolkata #calcuttacacophony #foodphotography #acreativevisual #nostalgia #india_undiscovered #official_photography_hub #canonphotography #eeeeeats #foodblogfeed #photographers_of_india #theuncommonbox #eatseasonal  #gastronomad_m #foodphotography #tv_foodlovers #foodpornography #foodtalkindia #photooftheday #foodporn #sankranti #desi_diaries #capturingmagic #wearebengal #eatseasonal #winter  #cherishedmemories #makarsankranti #creatingmemories #foodthatheals

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